Nova23041 will be marketed and distributed in the United States and Canada as Retaine® MGD™ Ophthalmic Emulsion under a brand license from OCuSOFT, Inc. Utilizing Novagali's Novasorb® Technology—a proprietary cationic process of binding positively charged ions to the negatively charged ocular surface, Retaine® MGD™ will prolong corneal contact time resulting in enhanced comfort. As a preservative-free oil-in-water emulsion, Retaine® MGD™ will target individuals suffering from Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, a component of Dry Eye Syndrome.

Cynthia Barratt, President and CEO of OCuSOFT, Inc. comments, "OCuSOFT® has been searching for a truly unique proprietary Dry Eye therapy which also combines a long-term partnership—and we have found that with Ardeo Health and Novagali. I believe Retaine® MGD™ will become the standard of care for those suffering with Meibomian Gland deficiencies.""Everyone at Ardeo Health is excited to see this newest technology brought to North America. Patients suffering from moderate to severe Dry Eye will now have an alternative to expensive prescription (Rx) therapies," states Robert "Bob" Sykora, RPh, President & CEO of Ardeo Health. "With these partnerships, Ardeo has the best of both worlds—the science of Novagali coupled with the brand recognition and distribution channels of OCuSOFT®."

Jerome Martinez, Chairman of Novagali Pharma, concludes "We are very pleased to be able to announce, today, the signing of this agreement involving two major American ophthalmology players. Given their proven expertise on the North American ophthalmology market, OCuSOFT®'s teams will no doubt make Nova23041's launch in the United States and Canada a success that will enable us to extend the distribution of our unique formulation for treating dry eye symptoms around the world. This agreement confirms the growing reputation of the products and technologies developed by Novagali Pharma in the United States."